MENIFEE >> Paloma Valley’s junior-sized rocket put on a show. But Heritage’s big boys simply did their job and that was more than enough.

With its powerhouse offensive line leading the way, Heritage grabbed control quickly and never let go, rolling to a 42-14 victory in the Menifee Bowl. The game was called about a minute into the fourth quarter when lightning closed in on the Heritage stadium.

Heritage (6-2) used its muscle up front and its three-headed backfield to pile up a 35-7 halftime lead. The cushion made it easier for the Patriots to withstand the shocks delivered in the second half by Paloma Valley’s 5-foot-5 quarterback, Mason Carvalho.

Carvalho’s efforts didn’t make much of a dent in the Wildcats’ deficit, but left a mark. He rushed for 156 yards in the third quarter alone, including a remarkable 78-yard touchdown run in which he squirmed out of the grasp of at least four Heritage defenders. He finished with 270 yards on 27 carries.

“He’s one of the best football players I’ve ever seen,” Heritage coach Kraig Broach said. “We just wanted to get as many hats on the ball as we could. One guy is going to have a very difficult time bringing him down.”

On Heritage’s side, six guys up front dominated the line of scrimmage and blew open big holes for the three guys carrying the ball. Ika Tuatala led the way in the backfield, rushing for 121 yards and three scores on nine carries.

The tone was set immediately as the Patriots rumbled 63 yards to the end zone on six plays to start the game. After recovering a muffed kickoff, the Patriots needed just two plays to score again, building a 14-point lead over the Wildcats (5-3) in less than four minutes.

The line, which has new starters at every position, got a more than passing grade from its coach.

“Our line is actually a little banged up,” Broach said. “But I’m the only one making excuses for them. They aren’t. What they did tonight is pretty impressive.”

Also impressive was the work of the Patriots’ 5-foot-9 middle linebacker A.C. Rondon, who was a disruptive force, particularly in the first half. He had three tackles for losses on Carvalho in the first half.

“I definitely have to use my technique and my mentality because I’m trying to fight through guys who are like a foot taller than me,” he said.